By Astghik Igityan
Head of Regional Policy Research Department, Information and Public Relations Center of the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, Armenia
“四海之内皆兄弟也” — ‘Within the Four Seas, all men are brothers.’- Confucius
This timeless Chinese proverb beautifully captures what I experienced during my days in China as part of the Belt and Road Journalists Forum for International Cooperation. These four eventful days allowed me to once again see that when people open their hearts to each other, borders disappear, and only then does true dialogue begin.
Three flights, more than 24 hours of travel, and I finally arrived at Nanchang Airport. As I collected my luggage, one thought kept playing in my head like a broken record: “Get to the hotel, rest.” But then suddenly, in the arrival hall, we are greeted by the volunteers of the program with such warmth, smiles, and positive words that in a second my fatigue disappears and my enthusiasm increases. The warmth and care of the people here, which we receive every second from the moment of arrival, have deeply touched and impressed me. Here you receive help even without asking for it. On the streets, even if people do not speak the same language as you, they are always able to help you with a smile, patience, and care.
It does not matter at all where you come from, what nationality you are, or what god you believe in. You are shown respect and love unconditionally.
There is something in all this that makes you want to respond to kindness with kindness, care with care, respect with respect.
During these days of cultural visits, I have not only learned about the history of Chinese tea, not only listened to and admired Chinese singing, or been amazed by the beauty of ancient Chinese porcelain art. These days have greatly contributed to my understanding of the human spirit that underlies the discourse of this civilization. From touring historic temples to meeting locals, exploring bustling markets to dining with new friends, I have seen firsthand how even seemingly small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Here, strangers have become helpers, and helpers have become friends.
When we visited the Tea Museum, during the tea ceremony, I noticed how the ritual itself had become a form of dialogue. The master’s thoughtful movements, the careful attention to each guest’s preferences, and the way he respected silence during the conversation – all of this spoke to a deeper understanding of human connection. The tea ceremony taught me that meaningful dialogue requires patience, respect for the process, and the ability to find deep meaning in simple shared experiences.
During that silent conversation, I realized that culture is not only preserved in museums, but is also lived, shared, and transmitted through gestures of care and communication.
The true meaning of the dialogue of civilizations does not always need big words: it lives in kindness, compassion, and a willingness to see each other as brothers and sisters under the same sky.
When we talk about the Belt and Road Initiative, the world often imagines grand infrastructure connecting continents, economic corridors, and large-scale investments. But as someone who has personally witnessed these interpersonal relationships, I believe that warm hands reaching across cultural boundaries are the true foundation of the project.
Roads and railways can transport goods, but only trust and respect can transport ideas and dreams.
What inspired me most was how this spirit of Chinese hospitality smooths over even the most difficult discussions. Here, among guests from all over the world, I see no arguments about conflicts or politics.
We laugh together, share our stories, and hear about each other’s traditions, try to find similarities, discuss differences with interest, drink wine together in the evening, and share impressions of the day. The positive energy of Chinese hospitality creates a space where dialogue can flow naturally. It reminds us that the civilization dialogue is not only an exchange of ideas, but also an exchange of sincere hearts. Every handshake, every shared laugh, every cultural story exchanged between us is a thread in the tapestry of global unity that we have unknowingly woven.
This atmosphere of mutual respect has allowed journalists from different continents to find common ground in unexpected places. My colleague from Laos tells me that he has an Armenian friend with whom he studied at the high school in the United States, and my Chinese colleague jokes that English is a difficult language and that the world should learn Chinese. The other colleagues draw parallels between the folk traditions of each country and the cultural practices we have seen together. These moments of recognition create bonds that transcend professional relationships, turning into real friendships built on shared human experiences.
These experiences have further convinced me that journalists must bring this warmth to their work. We must tell stories that remind people of our common humanity in a time when headlines often emphasize difference. We must pay attention to the small acts of peace that foster powerful bonds of understanding.
My “fresh insight” as I reflect on my visit is quite simple, yet profoundly powerful: the true foundation of a peaceful, shared future lies in the shared compassion of ordinary people.
This is the lesson I will take home with me. Our responsibility as storytellers is more than simply reporting facts. We must become bridges, translating not only languages but also feelings, aspirations, and dreams. When we write about international cooperation, we must remember the shopkeeper who drew a map for us on a napkin, the student who spent hours translating English-Chinese with us, and the family who invited us to have dinner with them. These are the true architects of global understanding. I have learned from the warmth of the Chinese people that civilization dialogue cannot be imposed from above. It grows naturally when we are ready to accept each other as family. And, perhaps, in a world of hatred and suspicion, this is the most radical and hopeful action we can offer.
May we all remember: within the Four Seas, all men are indeed brothers, and the bridges we build between our hearts will stand stronger than any wall ever could.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.